In this nature/science program, I discuss fascinating critters and show dynamic art via a slide show from Hatch! (about birds and their eggs), Busy Builders (about special bugs and the homes they construct), Slithery Snakes (skin patterns and lifestyles), and Rodent Rascals (about mice, rats, porcupines, beavers, and the wild and crazy ways they live). The art, text, and books all use an interactive "gamification" device - a guessing game, to engage children, keep them interested, and learning. The vivid realistic art is full frame, and shows everything from the critter's habitat to detailed close-ups. Children are fascinated by creepy crawly critters, and as they understand more, they become increasingly interested in science, and less afraid of these often quite beautiful creatures.

Program Format

1. This program starts with discussing and showing birds from all over, close-up and in their habitats (1. - 4. is a PPT slide show), with a guessing game about eggs.2. Then we go to bugs that build, and their curious structures.3. Next, snakes in their habitats world-wide, emphasizing their skin patterns (a guessing game).4. Lots of rodents, shown progressively by size, with fun facts about each.5. Q and A6. I send a free bookmark to each member of the class within a week of the program.

Objectives

1. To teach children about birds, bugs, snakes, and rodents.2. To teach children about animal habitats and biomes.3. To teach children visual discernment and skills.4. To teach children that when you understand or know about something, you do not fear it as much.

National/Common Core Standards to which this program aligns

STEM-aligned.NationalNS.K-4.3 Life ScienceNSK-4 3 Life Science

State/Regional Standards to which this program aligns

STEM-aligned.ScienceK.4.2 Observe plants and animals, describing how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do.2.4.1 Observe and identify different external features of plants and animals and describe how these features help them live in different environments.